5/9/08 Weekly Report: Information & Services Directory for Seniors 2008 Now Available

The County of Hawai`i’s Office of Aging has recently published its 2008 edition of the Information & Services Directory for Seniors, a comprehensive guide to community services for seniors and their caregivers.

The 112-page Directory includes information on health care, Social Security, taxes, community services, recreational activities, caregiver resources and volunteer opportunities for seniors.

The Directory outlines the many excellent programs for seniors offered by the County of Hawai`i and numerous other public and private social service organizations.

In a preface to the Directory, Hawai`i County Mayor Harry Kim said: “We in Hawai`i County are very aware of the many contributions made by our Kupuna.”

“We are grateful for the thousands who continue to work and/or volunteer their time and energy to assist the County and other organizations,” Kim said. “We are also mindful and appreciative of the family caregivers who are the backbone of our national care system.” He noted that 80 percent of caregiving in America is provided by family caregivers.

Vision of “One Stop” Center for services to seniors and caregivers

The County administration’s vision of a “One Stop” Resource Center for Seniors and Caregivers is nearing completion at the former Sun Sun Lau building at 1055 Kinoole Street in Hilo. Agencies dedicated to helping seniors and the disabled are scheduled to move into the facility on July 1, 2008.

Once the center is fully operational, it will house key agencies that provide information, assessment of needs and allocation of resources in one location -- all under one roof.

Caregivers, seniors and individuals with physical disabilities will be enabled to make informed decisions about their service and support options.

One Stop Center aims to reduce confusion

Many island residents experience confusion and frustration when they try to navigate the maze of available services and options for seniors. It is envisioned that the “one stop” resource center will alleviate this confusion, through collaboration among the partner agencies.

The one-stop resource center will also aim to serve as the entry point to long-term care services and support systems.

Office of Aging encourages the community to make use of the One Stop Center

The official name of the one stop center is Kahi Malama (A Place of Care). Kahi Malama is part of a national initiative developing Aging and Disability Resource Centers, or ADRC. Its phone number, 961-8626, is listed at the bottom of every page of the Information & Services Directory for Seniors.

To obtain your copy of the Information & Services Directory for Seniors, please call 961-8600, fax: 961-8603 or email: hcoa@hcoahawaii.org .

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COUNTY BULLETIN BOARD

Public Invited to Police Week Festivities May 12-16

The public is invited to attend Police Week festivities next week, including DARE Day 2008, at which nearly 1,000 middle school students will be recognized at ceremonies in Hilo and Kona for completing Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as Police Week.

The Hilo DARE Day program will take place on Monday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. It will feature student entertainment and a special appearance by Derek Kurisu, Barret Otani and Mountain Apple Man from the TV show "Living in Paradise." Police will present demonstrations by the department's Vice Section and Special Response Team.

The Kona DARE Day program will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona with student entertainment and demonstrations by the Vice Section and Special Response Team.

On Friday, May 16, the Police Department will present its formal Police Week ceremony at the Kona District station to pay tribute to Hawaii County police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. The fallen officers are Manuel Cadinha (1918), William "Red" Oili (1936), Ronald "Shige" Jitchaku (1990), and Kenneth Keliipio (1997).

Police Week will also pay tribute to Hawaii Police Department officers who are now serving in active duty in the military.

Friday’s festivities will begin with pre-ceremony entertainment at 9:00 a.m. followed by a formal ceremony at 10 a.m. After the formal ceremony, police will present demonstrations by the canine team and the department's Special Response Team as well as crime prevention and drug prevention displays. Refreshments will be served.

All three events are open to the public.

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Haili/Kapi‘olani Intersection in Hilo Will Be Four-Way Stop

The intersection of Haili Street and Kapi‘olani Street will be converted to an all-way stop by the County this week. Work is to start and be completed the week of May 12. Police officers will be present to direct and monitor traffic during construction.

Up to now the intersection has been a two-way stop, with motorists on Kapi‘olani Street required to stop. Once stop signs are installed on Haili Street, all motorists will be required to stop before proceeding through the intersection.

Motorists are reminded to follow the rules of the road and whichever vehicle comes to the intersection first has the right of way. If vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, right of way is given to the vehicle on the right.

In anticipation of the new conversion from a two-way to a four-way intersection, zig zag lines will be painted on all four streets. Zig zag lines capture the attention of motorists who slow down to look at them when approaching the four-way stop. On Haili Street the words “Stop Ahead” will be painted onto the street.

For updates, please call the 24-hour road construction hotline at 334-9559.

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Federal Govt Assistance for Consumers to Convert to Digital TV

The following information comes from Mary Lou Kenny, the Partnership Manager for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program being managed by the US Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications & Information Administration.

After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. More than 20 million households have a television set receiving over-the-air (analog) signals. About 13.5 million of these households rely on over-the-air broadcast to receive their TV programs while another 9 million households have cable and satellite service but also have at least one broadcast-only television set in the house.

Why is the digital transition happening?

Broadcasters are transitioning to digital to provide important benefits to consumers. Because digital broadcasting is more efficient, broadcasters require less of the airwaves to provide a better television viewing experience.

Once the DTV transition is completed, some television channels will be turned over to fire and police departments for emergency communication and others will be auctioned to companies to provide new wireless services.

Who relies on over-the-air TV?

Individuals who on average are more reliant on over-the-air television include:

Seniors
The economically disadvantaged
Rural residents
Minorities
People with disabilities.

Federal program offers financial assistance to make the conversion to digital TV

There is a Federal Government financial assistance program designed to help consumers make the digital transition.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is operating the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress.

Since the program began on January 1, 2008 Hawaii consumers have applied for 13,787 coupons, but that is a small portion of those who need assistance.

What is the DTV Converter Coupon program?

The DTV Converter Coupon Program is the only program designed to ensure that every household continues to receive television service after the conversion to digital transmission.

For many people, television is more than simply entertainment. For seniors and the homebound, it is a social network and in many cases provides lifeline services.

Recent immigrants use it both for education and as a tool to learn English. All of us use it in weather emergencies to plan for the safety of our families and property.

In emergencies and disasters, television is a national unifier. We want the Hawai`i County community to know that financial assistance is available to make the conversion and maintain your existing television service.

February 17, 2009 is when the switchover to digital TV happens

Consumers who use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna with an analog television need to take action before February 17, 2009, to continue receiving television broadcasts.

Will my TV work after February 17, 2009?

Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after February 17, 2009. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work.

What is a TV converter box?

A TV converter box is a new product available in early 2008 that plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after February 17, 2009. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and is expected to cost between $50 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box from this program.

How do I install a TV converter box?

Converter boxes plug into TV sets, either in the back or front, depending on your TV. You will still need your antenna, which works with the TV converter box.

Each TV converter box will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. You should be able to install the converter box using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, you should ask your retailer or call the manufacturer’s technical support hotline. A generic “Quick Start Guide” and installation video are available at www.DigitalTips.org .

How does the TV Converter Box Coupon program work?

The Federal Government created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009.

The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Consumers must complete and submit an application to receive the coupons.

Where Can I Apply for the Coupon?

By phone: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

TTY: 1-877-530-2634

Online: www.DTV2009.gov

By mail: DTV-2009, P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Where can I find the information about applying for the TV converter box coupons?

You can visit the website that includes all the materials you will need to inform your members about the transition and how to apply for the coupon. Please visit the partner section at www.DTV2009.gov .

Or for more information, please contact:

Kathie Klass, Ombudsman

Television Converter Coupon Program

National Telecommunications & Information Administration

Department of Commerce

1-(202) 482-4728

KKlass@ntia.doc.gov

For Frequently Asked Questions about the Coupon Program, visit www.DTV2009.gov .

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Ocean View Recycling Point/Convenience Center Final EIS Released

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management has released, and the Mayor has approved, a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Ocean View Recycling Point and Convenience Center. The Draft EIS was published in October 2007. The EIS is available at the Hilo, Na‘alehu, and Kailua-Kona public libraries and can be downloaded from the DEM website at: http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_envmng.htm .

This long-awaited facility will provide residents with a convenient location to recycle and dispose of their remaining solid waste and to reduce illegal dumping. The residents of the rapidly-growing community of Ocean View currently must travel a minimum of 12 miles to dispose of household waste and drop off recyclable materials. Area residents have repeatedly requested the County to address this deficiency over the last 20 years.

The process of selecting a site was difficult. Few sites met a rigorous set of criteria and those that did were often met by opposition from nearby residents. The current site, located on the makai side of Highway 11 near the intersection of Iolani Street, has highway frontage and relatively few immediate neighbors. The facility itself would require approximately half of the 9-acre site, with the remainder of the area retained as a buffer.

“The County intends the facility to be a model for the ‘next generation’ of convenience centers and recycling points with an integrated design maximizing efficient use and traffic flow, and including space for future expansion of services, “ said Nelson Ho, Deputy Director for the Department of Environmental Management.

During the Draft EIS comment period, 43 communications were received. Most expressed support for the facility, but several letters detailed a wide variety of concerns, which the County addressed through design and mitigation.

The County is committed to the idea that a convenience center, if properly built and managed and adopted by the community, will not present these problems.

For further information, please contact: Nelson Ho, Deputy Director, Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083.

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Brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Available Online

An updated version of the County’s brochure on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano, dated April 2008, is now available online. It was emailed to all County Newsletter subscribers earlier this week.

The link to the brochure, which gives a brief summary of hazards and protective measures regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) and volcanic ash emissions can be found on the lava information webpage at www.lavainfo.us . Scroll down and click on Emissions from Kilauea Volcano Brochure.

The brochure gives color-coded levels of sulfur dioxide conditions, ranging from green (trace) to purple (extreme), with recommended responses accordingly.

The volcanic conditions are being closely monitored and if any changes occur that might affect your safety, you will be informed. For further information, please call Hawai`i County Civil Defense at 935-0031 or visit the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

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Kalapana Safe Viewing Program Has Daily Telephone Hotline Updates

Hawai`i County Civil Defense has set up a new telephone hotline to provide daily updates on viewing at the Kalapana Safe Viewing site.

The lava hotline phone number is 961-8093, which lets you know the lava viewing hours for the day ahead. The lava hotline automated message is updated every day at 10 a.m.

The Kalapana Safe Viewing program at the volcanic eruption site is a wonderful natural attraction, and the County Civil Defense Agency wants all visitors to enjoy the experience in safety and comfort.

With that in mind, we encourage visitors to prepare not only for sunny days at the lava viewing sight but also for rain. Please note that there are no shelters at the site in case of rain.

For your comfort and convenience, please prepare for rain keeping in mind any trip hazard:

· An umbrella and/or

· Windbreaker or raincoat

Visitors are also strongly advised to take the following gear for both safety and comfort:

· Bottled water (2-3 quarts or liters per person)

· Sturdy closed boots or shoes and socks

· Flashlight (1 per person) and fresh batteries

· Long pants

· Sun hat and sunscreen

· Binoculars (optional)

Visitors are allowed entry to the viewing area every day from 2 p.m., with the last vehicles admitted at 8:00 p.m. This will allow officials to ensure that everybody is out of the area by 10 p.m. The viewing area is closed between 10 pm and 2 pm. This schedule is subject to change; hazardous conditions may require changes to the schedule or closure.

Visitors are reminded to obey all the warning signs and stay within the allowed areas to ensure their safety. The newly formed lava and black sand beach are extremely unstable, and can collapse into the ocean at any time. Visitors must stay well away from the volcanic steam clouds which contain hydrochloric acid and glass particles.

Please note: There is no cell phone coverage in the viewing area.

We ask that visitors show the greatest courtesy and respect to the local residents and property owners. Please remember never to go off the road or trail, and please dispose of all trash in the garbage cans provided. Guide/interpreters will be on hand in the viewing area to provide information and assistance. For more information, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

For the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory’s eruption updates online, please click on http://lavainfo.us/ .

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has created a new section of its website with all of the information we've been trying to get out to the public. Click on http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update .

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Fire Dept Sponsors Annual EMS Family Run/Walk Event on Sunday, May 25

In celebration of Emergency Medical Services Week, the Hawaii Fire Department is sponsoring their 8th annual EMS 5K Family Run/2 Mile-Walk/Keiki Fun Run on Sunday, May 25, 2008. The event will take place at Liliuokalani Park, and the public is invited to participate.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, whose vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease, and the Big Island’s Project Lifesaver, a program that protects the wandering and brings peace of mind to families, caregivers, and communities.

The 5K Family Run and 2-Mile Walk begins and ends at Liliuokalani Park in Hilo. The route proceeds from Lihiwai Street to the lighthouse tower at Bayfront Highway, then back along the same route to the park. The 2-mile walk also begins at the park to a shorter turn-around point and back. Both events will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 25th. A Keiki Fun Run, a non-competitive event for children ages 3 to 10, will be held within Liliuokalani Park following the 5K run.

Applications may be obtained at the Spencer Health and Fitness Center, the Fire Administration office located at Puainako Center, 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue C-5, at any district fire station, or by calling 981-8394 during normal business hours.

The entrance fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for youth, students & seniors (60+). Deadline to guarantee a shirt is May 19.

Awards will be presented following the completion of the event. All participants will also become eligible to receive random drawing prizes. Spencer Health and Fitness Center and HMSA are major corporate sponsors of the event.

The family fun run/walk will also kick off various events and displays that will continue throughout the day. The American Heart Association (blood pressure screening), Ululani Pharmacy (blood sugar/cholesterol screening), Big Island Asthma Coalition-East Hawaii (asthma awareness and education), Hospice of Hilo, Hawaii Bone Marrow, and the County of Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (Keiki ID) will provide their services to the public.

The Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association volunteers and staff will also be on hand to assist with the event as well as to provide information about their services. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, please call 981-2111.

EMS Week, which is celebrated nationwide, will bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical front line. This year’s theme, “EMS: Your Life is Our Mission,” underscores the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS personnel who provide an essential community service every day.

The Emergency Medical Services Week coordinators are Fire Equipment Operator /Mobile Intensive Care Technician Lance Uchida at Central Fire Station, phone: 961-8325) and Battalion Chief Jerry Lum at 883-6103.

The fun run/walk race director is Firefighter/Mobile Intensive Care Technician Jesse Ebersole at Kawailani Fire Station, phone: 959-7012.

The County of Hawaii’s Emergency Medical Services Division, a State-funded program, provides 24-hour quality pre-hospital emergency medical care and services to the residents and visitors on Hawaii. Last year, EMS responded to 15,670 calls for assistance islandwide.

To learn more about your local EMS Division, please call 961-8319.

Event organizers welcome your support of EMS. Please join this fun event with your Fire Department on May 25th.

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Hawai`i County Offers Property Tax Relief for Flood Victims

Property owners with damages caused by the recent floods in November and December of 2007 and February of 2008 should contact the County’s Real Property Tax Division to apply for real property tax relief.

Who is eligible? Property owners with damage to their homes or other buildings or whose land was severely damaged by the recent floods can apply for relief. However, taxpayers currently paying the minimum tax ($100) are not eligible.

What kind of damages do not qualify for a tax reduction? Damage to items that are not now taxed, such as retaining walls, fences, landscaping and driveways does not qualify. Also, land that is not severely damaged will not be eligible.

How to apply: Application forms are available on the Real Property Tax Division website at www.hawaiipropertytax.com or at property tax offices in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Although it is not required, applicants may submit documentation of damages with their applications. This can include photographs, contractor’s quotations, or appraisals.

What is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply is June 30, 2008.

What happens to an application? When an application is received, property tax appraisers will visit the property to determine the extent of damages to the home and/or land. A tax adjustment for the period will then be prepared. The amount of the adjustment will be based on the reduced value from the date of the flood damage to the end of the tax year, which is June 30, 2008.

For more information: Please contact the Real Property Tax Division at:

Hilo: Aupuni Center Kona: Hanama Place

101 Aupuni Street, Suite 4 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 112

Helpline: 961-8201 Helpline: 327-3540

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Talk Story Meetings on Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy Project - Update

The public is cordially invited to a twice-monthly update on the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway widening project every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room at Hanama Place. Light refreshments will be served.

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

WHERE: Kona Mayor’s West Hawai`i Office conference room, Hanama Place.

Phase 1 of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway Widening involves widening the existing two-lane highway to four-lanes with a median divider from Henry Street to Kealakehe Parkway. The widened highway will alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic circulation through Kona. The project started July 2005 and is planned for completion in December 2008.

The State Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises Big Island motorists that paving work continues from Palani Road to Makala Boulevard and next from Makala Boulevard to Police Station Road, in the two out-bound lanes. Preparation of roadway for paving from Makala Boulevard to Kealakehe Parkway began April 8, 2008. The opening of the two out-bound lanes from Palani Road to Kealakehe Parkway is expected in the summer.

HDOT staff, consultants and contractors are providing updates to the public twice a month to address any concerns. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 a.m. at the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office at Hanama Place. The general public is welcomed.

The meeting place is accessible for persons with disabilities. Persons who need special accommodations for this meeting should call 329-5226.

For more information, please contact Mr. Sterling Chow, HDOT Construction Engineer, at 933-8866 or Mr. Dennis Lee, M&E Pacific Resident Engineer, at 326-2035.

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Water Conservation Notice in Hakalau, Wailea Areas

Due to repairs of the Hakalau Iki Spring Source, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers entire Hakalau and Wailea Areas of South Hilo to conserve water while the repairs are being made. Water Conservation Notice is a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10%.

For customers in the affected area of the Water Conservation Notice, a list of ways to reach the 10% reduction goal is provided:

· Wash full loads of laundry only.

· Wash full loads of dishes only.

· Serve drinking water only when requested.

· Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.

· When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.

· Do not fill up the bathtub.

· Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.

· Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.

· Stop lawn sprinkling.

· Stop car and boat washing.

· Stop dust control watering.

· Use drinking water wisely.

Agricultural users shall irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This measure will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Elaine Chiu of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.

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Down Payment Assistance Loans Available to First-Time Home Buyers

The American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) Program is a deferred mortgage loan to low-income first-time home buyers on the Island of Hawai`i.

The program helps first-time home buyers with down payment assistance to purchase an existing dwelling unit to be used as their primary residence. The minimum loan amount is $1,000 and the maximum may not exceed the greater of 6% of the purchase price of a single-family housing unit or $10,000.

All loans have a 0% interest rate and payments are deferred for 15 years. The borrower will not be required to repay the ADDI loan if he/she remains as owner occupant for the Affordability Period of 15 years.

Leasehold property is not eligible.

For more information or an application call Dawnelle Forsythe at the Office of Housing and Community Development at 959-4642 or e-mail at ohcdeh@co.hawaii.hi.us ... Application packets can also be found on-line at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm .

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Dept of Environmental Management Solid Waste Projects Update

The following is a list of current and upcoming projects at our Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Baseyards. These projects address safety concerns, general repair and maintenance, environmental issues and Department of Health regulations.

All project dates may be subject to change without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Location of Project	Council District	Work being done
Kea`au Transfer Station	5	Emergency tree removal, completed
Pa`auilo Transfer Station	1	Fence and gate installation, in progress
Waimea Regional Transfer Station	1 and 9	Sign installations, completed
Laupahoehoe Transfer Station	1	Fence and gates installation, out to bid
Milolii	6	Concrete pad and ramp, in progress
Kealakehe Transfer Station	8	HI5 glasscrete pad, bid awarded
Puako Transfer Station	9	HI5 glasscrete pad, out to bid

For further information, please contact Terin Gloor, Solid Waste Civil Engineer at 961-8058.

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County Seeks Applicants for Arborist Advisory Committee Vacancy

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Arborist Advisory Committee.

The County wants to fill the vacancy with someone from the west or north areas of Hawai`i Island who has an interest in community beautification and the protection of island's exceptional trees.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

You may also pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link.

Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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County Seeks Applicants for Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The County wants to fill the vacancy with someone who has an interest in bicycle paths, cycling and pedestrian safety on our island.

Interested applicants can complete and submit the "Application for Hawaii County Boards and Commissions" found at the following web site: http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mayor/boards_&_commissions.htm

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County Seeks Applicants for Public Access, Salary Commission Vacancies

The County of Hawai`i is seeking civic-minded applicants to fill vacancies on County commissions. Citizens have the opportunity to serve on important boards and commissions that make decisions which affect the quality of life on our island, and determine the future for generations to come.

The following commissions currently have vacancies:

· Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: Vacancies in District 1 (represented by Council member Dominic Yagong) and District 3 vacancy (represented by Council member J Yoshimoto)

· Salary Commission: Vacancies in District 4 (represented by Council member Stacy Higa), District 5 (represented by Council member Emily Naeole), District 6 (represented by Council member Bob Jacobson).

The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, commonly known as the “Open Space Commission,” is charged with developing and maintaining a prioritized list of qualifying lands within the County worthy of preservation, and to make annual recommendations to the Mayor and County Council regarding those properties. This commission includes nine members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council.

The Salary Commission reviews and compensates all County elected officials and appointed directors and deputy directors so that their total salaries and benefits have a reasonable relationship to compensation in the public and private sectors. The Salary Commission consults with those boards and commissions which have appointing authority for department heads.

Volunteering for commissions normally takes no more than one day a month, and a few hours a month in preparation time. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have served your community and played a part in shaping the future of our island.

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Applications may also be found on line at www.hawaii-county.com , after clicking on the board/commission link. Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8304, extension 118, or via email at Lashida@co.hawaii.hi.us .

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County Accepting Applications for Elderly Housing in Pepe`ekeo

The County of Hawaii, Office of Housing and Community (OHCD) is currently accepting applications for one-bedroom units located at the Kula`imano Elderly Housing Project in Pepe`ekeo.

Occupancy cannot exceed 2 persons per unit. Eligible applicants must be 62 years of age or older and meet income requirements. The tenant’s share of rent is based on gross income of the household.

Gross annual income by household size cannot exceed:

· 1-person household $ 21,800

· 2-person household $ 24,900

Applications will be processed in the order (date & time) that they are received by the OHCD. For additional information or an application, please call Garrett at 959-4642.

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Seeking Applicants to Vacancies on County’s Boards and Commissions

The County of Hawai`i is seeking applicants from our community to the following Boards and Commissions which currently have vacancies:

1. Committee on Aging: Two vacancies; one in Kohala and one in Ka`u.

2. Arborist Advisory Committee: One vacancy (at-large).

3. Family Violence Advisory Committee: Presently not empanelled; we intend on doing so, so there are many vacancies (all at large).

4. Fire Board of Appeals: Five vacancies (all at-large).

5. Highway Safety Council: Four vacancies (all at-large).

6. Kailua Village Design Committee: Three vacancies.

7. Pension Board: One vacancy (at-large).

8. Salary Commission: Three vacancies; Council Districts 4, 5 and 6.

9. Transportation Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 1 and 4.

10. Veterans Advisory Committee: Four vacancies.

11. Water Board: One vacancy (Council District 8).

12. Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission: One vacancy (Council District 3).

13. Fire Commission: Two vacancies; Council Districts 3 and 5.

To apply, you may pick up an application at the Mayor’s Office at 891 Ululani Street, Hilo 96720 or the Kona mayor’s office at Hanama Place, 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona 96750. Upon completing the application, you may drop off or mail the application to either of the above addresses or to Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel at Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325, Hilo 96720.

If you have any questions, please call Lincoln Ashida at 961-8251.

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Hisaoka Gym Repairs Update

The Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, a County Parks and Recreation facility in Kamehameha Park in Kapa`au, North Kohala, sustained major structural damage during the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

Extent of the damage

The connections where several of the building’s concrete columns join the steel roof framing were compromised by a loss of concrete around the anchor bolts connecting the two components.

The earthquake also damaged much of the suspended ceiling and many of the facility’s light fixtures. Other damage included broken plumbing fixtures, cracking of walls and broken tiles.

Where are we now on the Hisaoka Gym repair project?

Here are the most recent and upcoming developments, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation:

The Contractor requested and the county conducted a pre-final inspection for the project to assess the work accomplished to date. In attendance were the following:

James Imanaka, Project Coordinator, DPW Building Division
Kevin Sakai, Project Manager, Department of Parks & Recreation
Robin Inaba, AIA, Architect, Inaba Architecture, LLC, Prime Consultant
Matt Fisk, P.E., Structural Engineer, Engineering Partners, LLC, Structural Consultant
David Thom, Constructors Hawaii, Inc., General Contractor
Lester Bondallion, Superintendent, Constructors Hawaii, Inc.
Wendell Miyazu, Project Foreman, Constructors Hawaii, Inc.,

The formal inspection revealed that the Contractor has satisfactorily completed approximately 98% of their contract work. All concrete/CMU patching, repairs and replacement were completed, reviewed by the structural engineer, and accepted. There was no punch list generated as a result of this meeting as all completed work was deemed acceptable.

The remaining contract work involves repairing two CMU wall conditions that were complicated by the discovery of cast iron vent pipes (associated with the restrooms) buried in the CMU wall's cells at the locations requiring the repair work (doweling and grouting). Both conditions were discussed at the site and solutions decided upon whereby the vent pipes must be redirected/rerouted to satisfactorily address the structural repairs for the CMU walls in question. Also discussed were two additional reinforced concrete column to roof truss connections that require the installation of structural steel welded collars to strengthen and restore their integrity. There were also two previously unforeseen crack/spall conditions identified by the Contractor that remain to be addressed. The structural engineer expected to have all of the corrective work detailed in drawings by today (Wednesday) to be issued to the Contractor through the County as additional work under this contract. The Contractor and the County will negotiate an acceptable fee for this extra work as well as an appropriate time extension if needed.

PHASE II:

The status of the bid documents were discussed at the May 6 meeting. The plans and specifications were very close to completion with only the electrical drawings outstanding for minor revisions. However, discussion regarding resolution of the numerous structural and architectural issues discovered in the course of Phase I (loose or missing bolts in the roof truss system, loose diagonal tension rods in the roof truss system, ungrouted CMU walls throughout the facility, modification of CMU wall heights and addition of diagonal bracing and bond beams, repairs to leaking roof panels, addition of roof insulation, painting of roof trusses if exposed, seismic bracing of major mechanical equipment and ductwork, replacement of flooring at certain locations, etc.) will result in a slight delay in completing those plans. All of the previously unforeseen structural work not addressed in the previous paragraph will now be incorporated into the Phase II bid documents. This will require revisions to both the structural and architectural plans and specifications.

The revisions are expected to be completed by Friday, May 16 and the complete set to be submitted to the County by our architect early the following week. The County will require approximately a week to review the documents and finalize them for bidding. Unless major revisions are necessary, the plans should be advertised for bidding a month after completion of the County's review (time required for running prints, submitting notice to newspapers and other preparatory work). The public bidding time period is expected to last at least 4-6 weeks.

In the meantime, the small but serviceable gym in Hawi is available for public use.

For further information, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 961-8311.

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Recycle your Old TVs and Other Electronic Waste in East and West Hawai`i

Bring your old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic waste to drop-off locations in East and West Hawai`i.

The drop-off locations are as follows:

· East Hawai`i: Bayside Computer Shop, 108 Kalakaua Street, Hilo. Phon